Gerald Arthur Williams

Gerald Arthur Williams was born to Robert A. Williams Jr. and Cosetta N. Smith on February 25, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Affectionately known by his family as “Jerry”, and later as “Muffin”, he was the third of five boys, and was raised in a Christian home with his four brothers, Robert A., Charles H., Michael A., and Steven E. Williams. He accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church.

A Time to Learn

Jerry attended Indianapolis Public School #42, Shortridge High School, and graduated from Butler University. He was known for his athletic skills and abilities, particularly Basketball and Track. He was an integral part of the 1959 Shortridge basketball team and its #3 ranking, which went on to win the city tournament championship to cap off a 19-3 season. Later that Spring, Jerry won the State High Jump Championship breaking a 24-year state meet record with a jump of 6’ 6-1/8”. He was named the Indianapolis Times City Athlete of the Year.

At Butler University, Jerry was a starter on the basketball team all three of his eligible years. He broke the school’s sophomore scoring record and was named the team MVP. He finished his 3-year career at Butler with 1,248 points and was named to the ICC All Conference Team three times. He was a member of Butler’s first team to participate in the NCAA Tournament in which they advanced to the Sweet 16.

On the track, Jerry helped Butler win the ICC Conference Track Championship by winning the 100-yard dash and high jump. He placed 2nd in the long jump and was a member of the 4x200 relay team.

Jerry was inducted into Butler’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. He was proud to be selected to play on a team representing the United States in a world tournament held in Barcelona, Spain. He contributed 22 points and 19 rebounds resulting in a win for the USA team.

A Time to Love

Jerry married Alma Dean Taylor of Gary, Indiana, in June of 1969. From that union were born two daughters, Tannette L. Williams and Letitia R. Jackson, and a son, Gerald L. Williams.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Clarissa Wilson (Momma Kris), wife, brothers Robert A. Williams, III (Biscuit), Charles H. Williams, and Michael A. Williams Sr. (Crum).

A Time to Work

Jerry worked for over 31 years in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster. He managed the Indianapolis office for Continental Insurance Co. much of his career. Later he was responsible for litigation for Indiana Insurance Co. until his retirement.

A Time to Serve

Jerry was a veteran of the US Army from which he was honorably discharged. He was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, and later Eastern Star Church where he was an active member serving on Pastor’s Aid and participating in men’s day choir.

A Time to Be Remembered

Jerry leaves to cherish his memory his children, Tannette L. Williams, Letitia R. Jackson, and Gerald L. Williams (Tiffany), brother Steven E. Williams (Pamela), grandchildren Tyler Williams, Jameel Gay, Mychia Jackson, Jeralyn Williams, Stanford Jackson, A’Deana Jackson, Durante Morton, and Ava Dean Williams, six great-grandchildren, an aunt Vanice Thompson, an uncle Bernard Levi, and a host of cousins nephews, nieces, and friends.